Yellow extendable island via Better Homes & Gardens YYou probably know I’ve always loved paging through magazines—and now, browsing Pinterest. I can’t help it: beautiful rooms draw me in. They stop me in my tracks and make me want to study every detail. I’m a visual person; I learn by looking and imagining how ideas … Read more

Vanessa Francis Greetings! A quick update: the round window that was scheduled to arrive last week never made it — it simply “wasn’t on the truck.” I was disappointed, but installation is expected this week. Delays have become the norm for this project, though they’ve often led to better outcomes. We should be moving forward … Read more

I finally took down the crunchy Christmas wreath from the dining room and replaced it with a simple arrangement of plates to fill that awkward wreath-shaped gap on the wall. Crisis averted. It feels good to have that finished. I know it sounds trivial, but refreshing a small corner like this makes the whole room … Read more

Hello, friends! I stopped by our local market this weekend for groceries and picked up a bunch of cheery coral carnations while I was there. Simple touches like these can brighten even a Monday. *** How do you make your Mondays more pleasant? Sources: Green Mason Jars, Mirror, Plant Stand (similar), Zinc Memo Board (similar), … Read more

Hello friends and Merry Christmas week! With our family arriving tomorrow, I wanted to share a quick peek at our refreshed bedroom. I’ll share more details and photos after the holidays, but I couldn’t resist showing a few shots while the room feels extra cozy. A few months ago we debated repainting and whether to … Read more

New England Home I love many architectural styles, but Cape Cod homes always capture my imagination. I enjoy studying photos of rooms, noticing details and design choices that inspire me. Looking closely at a space helps me think more creatively about my own home and what elements I might adapt. When I examine a photo, … Read more

Country Living I believe a home should reflect who you are and the life you want to live, but even more important is designing a daily life that supports how you want to feel. The way we arrange our environment and routines directly affects our emotional and physical well-being. Intentionally shaping your home and habits … Read more

I can’t believe there are only 14 days until Christmas! If you’re still finishing your holiday shopping, here are some curated gift ideas to help — practical, cozy, and beautifully styled picks that make great presents for friends and family. For a comprehensive list of suggestions organized by category, check our Gift Guides for 2024. … Read more

Welcome, friends! Today all of our blog book tours and giveaway bundles are live. Below you’ll find links to the six tour hosts and their giveaway entries—join each stop for a chance to win. If you are new here, welcome! Learn more about my book in this post on The Inspired Room and follow along … Read more

  Tips for Organizing and Cleaning Your Home I am feeling extra motivated this year to get my home in better shape. Organization and cleaning are common goals when starting fresh, and I’m determined to make real progress. Like many, I still have areas that need attention, so I’m focusing on practical ways to simplify … Read more